Electrical equipment using battery as power supply and vacuum cleaner

ABSTRACT

A vacuum cleaner includes a main body portion, a secondary battery, an electric blower, a handle and a conductive member. The secondary battery is disposed in the main body portion. The electric blower operates by electric power supply from the secondary battery. The handle is one which a user contacts when the vacuum cleaner is used. At least a part of the conductive member is disposed at the handle and conducts static electricity generated due to operation of the electric blower.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of prior International PatentApplication No. PCT/JP2017/028107 filed on Aug. 2, 2017, which is basedupon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2016-153033 filed on Aug. 3, 2016, the entire contents of which areherein incorporated by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to electrical equipmentusing a battery as a power supply and a vacuum cleaner.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, a vacuum cleaner which sucks and collects dust into adust collecting unit by using negative pressure generated by driving anelectric blower is known, for example. Such a vacuum cleaner isconfigured such that an air duct body provided with a hose body, anextension pipe etc. is connected to a main body of the cleaner whichaccommodates an electric blower, for example, and the dust is suctionedinto the dust collecting unit through an inner portion of the air ductbody. Accordingly, static electricity is generated due to frictionbetween the air duct body and the dust passing through the inner portionof the air duct body. In a case of a wired vacuum cleaner using anexternal power supply such as a commercial AC power supply, staticelectricity can be grounded to the power supply via an electrical outleton a wall surface etc. by means of a power supply line. However, in acase of a vacuum cleaner using an internal power supply such as asecondary battery, static electricity cannot be released with ease.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of a vacuum cleaneras electrical equipment according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a part of the vacuumcleaner.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating a part of the vacuum cleanerfrom above, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view illustrating a part of thevacuum cleaner from below.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged plan view illustrating a part of a circuit boardof the vacuum cleaner, and FIG. 4B is a plan view of the circuit board.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a handle of thevacuum cleaner.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating one use state of the vacuumcleaner.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another use state of thevacuum cleaner.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view illustrating a part of a vacuum cleaner aselectrical equipment according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 9B is anenlarged plan view illustrating a part of a circuit board of the vacuumcleaner.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of a vacuumcleaner as electrical equipment according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a part of a vacuum cleaner aselectrical equipment according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum cleaner aselectrical equipment according to a fifth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one embodiment, electrical equipment which has a main bodyportion, a battery, an operating unit, a human body contacting portionand a conductive member is provided. The battery is disposed in the mainbody portion. The operating unit operates by electric power supply fromthe battery. The human body contacting portion is one which a usercontacts when the electrical equipment is used. At least a part of theconductive member is disposed at the human body contacting portion andconducts static electricity generated due to operation of the operatingunit.

Hereinafter, further embodiments will be described with reference to thedrawings. A configuration of a first embodiment will be described withreference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

In FIG. 8, 11 denotes a vacuum cleaner as electrical equipment. Thevacuum cleaner 11 is provided with a cleaner main body 15. The vacuumcleaner 11 may be provided with an elongated air duct body 16 connectedto the cleaner main body 15. The vacuum cleaner 11 is used as a handy(portable) cordless suction vacuum cleaner in one use state (FIG. 7)which is a predetermined use state using the cleaner main body 15 only.In a case where the vacuum cleaner 11 is provided with the air duct body16, the vacuum cleaner 11 can be used as a stick-type cordless suctionvacuum cleaner in another use state (FIG. 8) in which the air duct body16 is connected to the cleaner main body 15. The vacuum cleaner 11 mayconstitute an electric cleaning device together with a storage device(not illustrated) for storing the vacuum cleaner 11 when the vacuumcleaner 11 is not used.

The cleaner main body 15 illustrated in FIG. 6 is provided with a mainbody portion 21. The cleaner main body 15 is also provided with a dustcollecting unit (dust collecting device) 22 which is detachable from themain body portion 21. Further, the cleaner main body 15 is provided withan electric blower 23 as an operating unit. The cleaner main body 15 isprovided with a control device (control unit) 24 to control theoperation of the electric blower 23. Further, the cleaner main body 15is provided with a secondary battery 25 which is a battery serving as apower supply unit to supply electric power to the electric blower 23,the control device 24 etc. The cleaner main body 15 is provided with amain body connection port 26 which allows the air duct body 16 to beconnected.

The cleaner main body 15 is provided with a handle (a gripping portion)27 which is a main body holding portion as a human body contactingportion for holding the cleaner main body 15 (a vacuum cleaner 11). Thecleaner main body 15 is provided with setting buttons 28 as a settingdevice for setting operation modes of the electric blower 23. Thecleaner main body 15 is provided with a circuit board 29 as illustratedin FIG. 1. The cleaner main body 15 is provided with a conductive member30. The cleaner main body 15 is provided with a first communication port(not illustrated) and a second communication port (not illustrated).

Each of the first communication port and the second communication portcommunicates with the dust collecting unit 22 illustrated in FIG. 6. Thecleaner main body 15 is provided with an exhaust port 33 to dischargethe exhaust of the electric blower 23. An air duct is formed in thecleaner main body 15 such that the main body connection port 26 and thefirst communication port communicate with each other, the secondcommunication port and a suction side of the electric blower 23communicate with each other, and an exhaust side of the electric blower23 and the exhaust port 33 communicate with each other.

Regarding the vacuum cleaner 11, in the following description, adirection substantially parallel to an axis of the main body connectionport 26 is defined as a forward-rearward direction, and upward-downwardand leftward-rightward directions are defined with reference to theforward-rearward direction, in order that the description can be furtherclarified. As for the upward-downward direction, the leftward-rightwarddirection and the forward-rearward direction of the vacuum cleaner 11,an arrow U direction is defined as the upward direction, an arrow Ddirection is defined as the downward direction, an arrow FR direction isdefined as the forward direction, an arrow RR direction is defined asthe rearward direction, an arrow L direction is defined as the leftwarddirection, and an arrow R direction is defined as the rightwarddirection, respectively with reference to the state illustrated in FIG.6.

The main body portion 21 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The main body portion21 as a whole is formed so as to be elongated in the forward-rearwarddirection. As described above, the main body portion 21 accommodateseach of the electric blower 23, the control device 24 and the secondarybattery 25. The main body connection port 26 is open in the main bodyportion 21. Further, the handle 27 protrudes from the main body portion21. The circuit board 29 is accommodated in the main body portion 21 asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The conductive member 30 is accommodatedin the main body portion 21. The first communication port and the secondcommunication port are open in the main body portion 21. Further, theexhaust port 33 is open in the main body portion 21. The main bodyportion 21 is provided with an air duct. The main body portion 21 isprovided with a first main body portion 42 positioned in the frontportion and extending along the forward-rearward direction, a secondmain body portion 43 positioned in the rear portion and extending alongthe forward-rearward direction, and an inclined main body portion 44 asa connecting main body portion which connects the first main bodyportion 42 and the second main body portion 43. The main body portion 21is provided with an attachment holding portion 45 where the dustcollecting unit 22 is attached and held.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first main body portion 42 is formed in asubstantially linear shape along the forward-rearward direction. Thesecond main body portion 43 is positioned below the first main bodyportion 42. The second main body portion 43 is linearly formed along theforward-rearward direction. Accordingly, the second main body portion 43is substantially formed in parallel to the first main body portion 42.Further, the inclined main body portion 44 is formed along a straightline inclined from an upper front side to a lower rear side.Accordingly, the main body portion 21 is formed so as to be bent in asubstantially crank shape.

The attachment holding portion 45 protrudes upwards from the upperportion of the first main body portion 42, i.e., a position where thefirst main body portion 42 and the inclined main body portion 44 arecontinuous.

The dust collecting unit 22 communicates with the suction side of theelectric blower 23. The dust collecting unit 22 collects dust suctionedby operation of the electric blower 23. The dust collecting unit 22 is,for example, a cyclone separation-type dust collecting cup whichcentrifugally separates (cyclonically separates) dust suctioned with airby the operation of the electric blower 23 from the air. Accordingly,the dust collecting unit 22 is an electrostatic source which generatesstatic electricity due to friction generated between the dust collectingunit 22 and dust by driving of the electric blower 23. The dustcollecting unit 22 is provided with a dust collecting locking portion 47to lock the dust collecting unit 22 to the main body portion 21. In theembodiment, the dust collecting locking portion 47 is provided in an endportion of the dust collecting unit 22, for example. Alternatively, thedust collecting locking portion 47 may be provided on a side of the mainbody portion 21. In the embodiment, the dust collecting locking portion47 is locked and held by the attachment holding portion 45. Further, thedust collecting unit 22 is provided with a dust collecting suction port(not illustrated) and a dust collecting exhaust port (not illustrated).The dust collecting suction port and the dust collecting exhaust portcommunicate with the first communication port and the secondcommunication port in a state where the dust collecting unit 22 isattached to the main body portion 21. Accordingly, the dust collectingunit 22 communicates with the suction side of the electric blower 23 ina state where the dust collecting unit 22 is attached to the main bodyportion 21. The dust collecting unit 22 is connected to a downstreamside of the main body connection port 26 (the air duct body 16) in astate where the dust collecting unit 22 is attached to the main bodyportion 21.

The electric blower 23 is provided with an electric motor and a fanwhich is rotated by the electric motor. A brushless motor is used as theelectric motor, for example.

The control device 24 is a control board provided with a microcomputer,for example, etc. The control device 24 is provided with a drive controlunit which operates the electric blower 23, for example, etc. inaccordance with setting by a user using the setting button 28. Thecontrol device 24 may be provided with a charging circuit portion suchas a constant current circuit which charges the secondary battery 25 byreceiving electric power supply from an external power supply such as acommercial AC power supply.

The secondary battery 25 is a battery pack provided with batteries, forexample.

The main body connection port 26 is an air suction port when the vacuumcleaner 11 is used as a handy cleaner. The main body connection port 26is a communication port which allows the air duct body 16 and thecleaner main body 15 to communicate with each other when the vacuumcleaner 11 is used as a stick-type cleaner illustrated in FIG. 8.

The handle 27 illustrated in FIG. 6 holds at least the main body portion21. In the embodiment, the handle 27 holds the cleaner main body 15 inone use state (FIG. 7) and holds the cleaner main body 15 and the airduct body 16 in another use state (FIG. 8). The handle 27 is a partwhich a user necessarily contacts when he uses the vacuum cleaner 11.The handle 27 is positioned in an upper portion of the cleaner main body15 (the main body portion 21). The handle 27 is formed in an elongatedshape in the forward-rearward direction and extends to the second mainbody portion 43 from the attachment holding portion 45. Further, thesetting buttons 28 are disposed in an upper portion of the handle 27. Anuneven slip resistance portion 49 for suppressing the slippage of thehand of a user gripping the handle 27 is provided in a lower portion ofthe handle 27. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the handle 27, in theembodiment, is provided with a handle main body portion 51 integrallyprovided on the side of the main body portion 21 and a handle cover 52attached so as to cover the handle main body portion 51. The handle 27is provided with through holes 53 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, thehandle 27 is provided with a fixing portion 54 which positions thecircuit board 29 and the conductive member 30. The handle 27 is providedwith a board support portion 55 which supports the circuit board 29.Further, the handle 27 is provided with a positioning portion 56 (FIG.2) which positions the conductive member 30. The handle 27 is providedwith reinforcing ribs 57.

The slip resistance portion 49 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5 is providedalong the leftward-rightward direction intersecting with (orthogonal to)the longitudinal direction of the handle 27. Accordingly, the slipresistance portion 49 applies resistance in the forward-rearwarddirection to the hand of a user who grips the handle 27, and suppressesslippage of the hand in the forward-rearward direction which is thelongitudinal direction of the handle 27. The slip resistance portion 49is disposed almost throughout the handle 27 from a front end side to arear end side of the handle 27. The slip resistance portion 49 ispositioned at least behind the setting buttons 28. The slip resistanceportion 49 is provided with projecting portions 49 a and recessedportions 49 b, for example, alternately formed side by side. The slipresistance portion 49 is provided in the handle main body portion 51. InFIGS. 6 to 8 etc., the slip resistance portion 49 is illustrated withdetails omitted so that the description can be clarified.

The projecting portion 49 a is formed in an arc shape with a crosssection protruding downwards, for example. The projecting portions 49 aare disposed at substantially equal intervals in the longitudinaldirection of the handle 27.

The handle main body portion 51 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 constitutesthe lower portion of the handle 27. The handle main body portion 51 isintegrally provided with the attachment holding portion 45 and thesecond main body portion 43. The handle main body portion 51 has aclosed loop shape. The handle main body portion 51 has an upper sideopen at a position of an upper portion extending to the second main bodyportion 43 from the attachment holding portion 45, i.e., an arcuate(arc-shaped) position.

The handle cover 52 constitutes the upper portion of the handle 27. Thehandle cover 52 is arcuately curved (in an arc shape). The handle cover52 is configured to cover an open upper side of the handle main bodyportion 51. The handle cover 52 is provided with a fixing receivingportion 60 fixed and fastened with respect to the fixing portion 54together by a fixing member 59 such as a screw. The handle cover 52 isconfigured to restrain the circuit board 29 and the conductive member 30from above in a state where the handle cover 52 is fixed to the handlemain body portion 51.

The through hole 53 exposes a part of the conductive member 30 to theoutside of the handle 27. The through hole 53 is formed in a shape of around hole having a small diameter, for example. The through hole 53 isprovided at the lower portion of the handle 27. The through hole 53 ispositioned in the slip resistance portion 49. In the embodiment, thethrough hole 53 is provided in the projecting portion 49 a of the slipresistance portion 49. The through hole 53 is positioned in the bottomportion of the handle main body portion 51. Further, the through holes53 are provided in the longitudinal direction of the handle 27. In theembodiment, the through holes 53 are disposed at substantially equalintervals in the forward-rearward direction. Accordingly, the throughholes 53 are disposed at least in a region including the substantiallymiddle portion of the handle 27 in the longitudinal direction. Thethrough hole 53 is disposed at a center position of the handle 27 in theleftward-rightward direction (a width direction). Accordingly, thethrough hole 53 is disposed at a position where the handle 27 expands toa lowermost portion.

The fixing portion 54 is a boss for positioning the circuit board 29 andthe conductive member 30 and for fixing and fastening the handle mainbody portion 51 and the handle cover 52 together by means of the fixingmember 59. The fixing portion 54 is formed in a cylindrical shape and isdisposed along the upward-downward direction. The fixing portion 54 isintegrally provided in the handle main body portion 51. The tip side ofthe fixing portion 54 faces the upper side, i.e., the fixing receivingportion 60 of the handle cover 52. More specifically, the fixing portion54 is positioned on a back surface side between the setting buttons 28.

The board support portion 55 is positioned to extend from the vicinityof the fixing portion 54 to a front of the fixing portion 54, forexample. The board support portion 55 is formed in a rib shape along theleftward-rightward direction, for example, and has a function toreinforce the handle 27. The board support portion 55 is integrallyprovided at the handle main body portion 51.

The positioning portion 56 is formed in a rib shape along theforward-rearward direction at positions on both the left and right sidesof the fixing portion 54. The positioning portion 56 is integrallyprovided at the handle main body portion 51.

Ribs 57 are provided along the leftward-rightward direction so as toconnect positioning portion 56 and both side portions of the handle mainbody portion 51, for example. The ribs 57 is provided integrally withthe handle main body portion 51. The ribs 57 are spaced apart from eachother in the forward-rearward direction.

A user gripping the handle 27 can push the setting button 28 with thethumb of his hand gripping the handle 27, for example. The settingbutton 28 is provided at the handle cover 52.

The circuit board 29 transmits a signal corresponding to the operationof the setting button 28 to the control device 24. The circuit board 29is stored in the handle 27 i.e. between the handle main body portion 51and the handle cover 52. The circuit board 29 is positioned in a lowerportion on the back surface side of the setting button 28. Accordingly,the circuit board 29 is positioned near the front side of the handle 27.The circuit board 29 is provided with a plate-shaped board main body 62.Further, the circuit board 29 is provided with an opening 63. Thecircuit board 29 is provided with an element 64. Further, the circuitboard 29 is provided with a connector 65. The circuit board 29 has apredetermined pattern 66 as illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B. The circuitboard 29 also has a contact pattern 67.

The board main body 62 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 is formed of aninsulating synthetic resin etc. In the embodiment, the board main body62 is formed in a rectangular shape narrow in the leftward-rightwarddirection and long in the forward-rearward direction, for example.

The circuit board 29 is positioned with respect to the handle 27 (thehandle main body portion 51) by the fixing portion 54 which is insertedthrough the opening 63. The opening 63 is provided so as to penetratethe board main body 62 in the thickness direction. In the embodiment,the opening 63 is disposed near a rear end as one end of the circuitboard 29 (the board main body 62).

The element 64 constitutes a predetermined electric circuit on thecircuit board 29. The element 64 is mounted on the board main body 62.In the embodiment, the element 64 is mounted on one main surface 62 awhich is the upper surface of the board main body 62. In the element 64according to the embodiment, a switch 64 a which is pushed and operatedvia the setting button 28, a resistor 64 b as an impedance element and alamp 64 c such as an LED lamp as a display device (a display unit) fordisplaying the state of the vacuum cleaner 11 etc. are set, for example.

The connector 65 electrically connects the electric circuit composed ofthe element 64 and the control device 24 and the secondary battery 25.The connector 65 is mounted on the board main body 62. In theembodiment, the connector 65 is mounted on the one main surface 62 a ofthe board main body 62. The connector 65 is disposed at a front end asthe other end of the circuit board 29. In the embodiment, the connector65 is disposed at the front end as the other end of the board main body62. One end of a lead wire 68 is connected to the connector 65. Theother end of the lead wire 68 is electrically connected to the controldevice 24 and the secondary battery 25 via the inner portion of the mainbody portion 21.

The lead wire 68 branches from the front end portion of the circuitboard 29 to the control device 24 and the secondary battery 25 via theattachment holding portion 45 and the top of the electric blower 23. Thelead wire 68 is disposed from the attachment holding portion 45 to theinclined main body portion 44 and the second main body portion 43.

The pattern 66 illustrated in FIG. 4B is formed in a thin film form onthe board main body 62. The pattern 66 is formed of a conductive membersuch as copper. In the embodiment, the pattern 66 is formed on the othermain surface 62 b which is the lower surface (the back surface) of theboard main body 62 facing the conductive member 30. The pattern 66 mayhave a voluntary shape, but in the embodiment conductive patterns 66 aand a ground pattern 66 b are formed.

The conductive pattern 66 a is a conductive portion to constitute theelectric circuit with the element 64 and the connector 65. Theconductive pattern 66 a is provided with a land electrically connectedto the element 64 and the connector 65.

The ground pattern 66 b sets the reference potential of the electriccircuit formed on the circuit board 29. The ground pattern 66 b isdisposed in the vicinity of an outer edge portion of the circuit board29, for example. In the embodiment, the ground pattern 66 b is formed soas to surround the entire conductive pattern 66 a. The ground pattern 66b is electrically connected (short-circuited) to the ground of thesecondary battery 25. More specifically, the ground pattern 66 b iselectrically connected (short-circuited) to the ground of the secondarybattery 25 along with the ground of the control device 24 via the leadwire 68 and has the same potential as the grounds. The ground pattern 66b has the same potential as the reference potential of the vacuumcleaner 11. In the ground pattern 66 b, a conductive portion 66 b 1 isprovided at a position facing the contact pattern 67 as illustrated inFIG. 4A. The pattern 66 has the conductive portion 66 b 1 at a positionfacing the contact pattern 67. The conductive portion 66 b 1 protrudesin the width direction of the pattern 66, for example. The conductiveportion 66 b 1 protrudes from the pattern 66 toward the side of thecircuit board 29. In the embodiment, the conductive portion 66 b 1protrudes in the width direction of the ground pattern 66 b. Theconductive portion 66 b 1 protrudes from the ground pattern 66 b towardthe side of the circuit board 29. For example, solder S1 is applied tothe conductive portion 66 b 1.

The contact pattern 67 illustrated in FIG. 4B is formed in a thin filmshape on the board main body 62. The contact pattern 67 is formed of aconductive member such as copper. In the embodiment, the contact pattern67 is formed on the other main surface 62 b which is the lower surface(the back surface) of the board main body 62 facing the conductivemember 30. The contact pattern 67 is formed on the same surface as thepattern 66. The contact pattern 67 is a static electricity receivingportion to receive static electricity generated by driving of theelectric blower 23 (FIG. 6) via the pattern 66 and to discharge thestatic electricity via a user from the conductive member 30 (FIG. 1).The contact pattern 67 is mechanically and electrically connected(short-circuited) to the conductive member 30. In the embodiment, thecontact pattern 67 is configured to receive the static electricitygenerated by driving of the electric blower 23 (FIG. 6) via the groundpattern 66 b, for example. The contact pattern 67 receives the staticelectricity from the pattern 66 by dielectric breakdown of the airinterposed between the contact pattern 67 and the pattern 66 due to apotential generated by the electric charge of the static electricity.The contact pattern 67 is disposed in the outer edge portions on bothsides of the circuit board 29, for example. As illustrated in FIG. 4A,the contact pattern 67 faces the pattern 66 at a predetermined distanceG. Specifically, in the embodiment, the contact pattern 67 is formed ina projecting shape provided with a facing conductive portion 67 a facingthe conductive portion 66 b 1 of the ground pattern 66 b. For example,solder S2 is applied to the contact pattern 67 to include the place ofthe facing conductive portion 67 a.

When contact is made between the pattern 66 and the contact pattern 67i.e. between the conductive portion 66 b 1 and the facing conductiveportion 67 a in the embodiment, the same potential as the pattern 66 (areference potential in the embodiment) is caused to be generated in thecontact pattern 67 even at the time at which the vacuum cleaner 11 (FIG.6) is not used. When an excessive distance is made between the pattern66 and the contact pattern 67, the potential due to the electric chargeof the static electricity, which is accumulated until breakdown ofinsulation by air between the pattern 66 and the contact pattern 67,becomes high. Accordingly, it is preferable that an appropriatepredetermined distance G (for example, approximately 0.6 mm) isprovided. Thus, the contact pattern 67 is disposed in proximity to thepattern 66.

The conductive member 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 transfers the staticelectricity received from the pattern 66 (FIG. 4A) to a user. In theembodiment, the conductive member 30 is disposed so as to be in contactwith the contact pattern 67 (FIG. 4B). The conductive member 30 isformed of a member containing a carbon member such as conductiveparticles. A synthetic resin is preferably used as the member.Polypropylene or ABS is more preferably used as the member. Theconductive member 30 is formed in an elongated shape along thelongitudinal direction of the handle 27 i.e. along the forward-rearwarddirection. Further, the conductive member 30 is provided with aconductive member main body 71 as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Theconductive member 30 is provided with an opening portion 72. Further,the conductive member 30 is provided with support portions 73 whichsupports the circuit board 29. The conductive member 30 is provided witha cover support portion 74 which supports the handle cover 52 (FIG. 1).Further, the conductive member 30 is provided with a contact portion 75,which is in contact with the contact pattern 67 (FIG. 4A) of the circuitboard 29. The conductive member 30 is provided with projection portions76 as transmission portions exposed to the outside of the handle 27(FIG. 1). In the embodiment, the conductive member 30 is divided in theforward-rearward direction into one conductive member 30 a and the otherconductive member 30 b. The one conductive member 30 a is positionedbelow the circuit board 29. The one conductive member 30 a is positionedbetween the circuit board 29 and the bottom portion of the handle mainbody portion 51 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The other conductive member 30b is electrically connected (short-circuited) to the rear end portion ofthe one conductive member 30 a with the front end portion of the otherconductive member 30 b in contact (pressure contact) with the rear endportion of the one conductive member 30 a. Further, the other conductivemember 30 b is positioned behind the circuit board 29.

The conductive member main body 71 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is formedin an elongated shape with a predetermined width. The conductive membermain body 71 is formed in an elongated shape along the handle 27. Theconductive member main body 71 is arcuately curved along the curvatureof the handle 27.

The conductive member 30 is positioned with respect to the handle 27 bythat the fixing portion 54 is inserted through the opening portion 72and the opening 63 of the circuit board 29. The opening portion 72positions the conductive member 30 with respect to the handle main bodyportion 51. The opening portion 72 is provided so as to penetrate theconductive member main body 71 in the thickness direction. In theembodiment, the opening portion 72 is disposed near the front side ofthe conductive member 30. The opening portion 72 is disposed near thefront side of the conductive member main body 71. Specifically, theopening portion 72 is disposed near the rear end of the one conductivemember 30 a.

The support portions 73 protrude in a rib shape upwards from theconductive member 30. Specifically, the support portions 73 protrude ina rib shape upwards from the conductive member main body 71. In theembodiment, a plurality of the support portions 73 are provided.Specifically, the support portions 73 are disposed in the front endportion of the conductive member 30 and the substantially middle portionof the conductive member 30 in the longitudinal direction of theconductive member 30. More specifically, the support portions 73 aredisposed in the front end portion of the one conductive member 30 a andthe front end portion of the other conductive member 30 b. The supportportions 73 are disposed in front of and behind the fixing portion 54.Accordingly, the front end portion and the rear end portion of thecircuit board 29 are supported from below by the support portions 73. Inthe drawings, the reference numeral is given only to the support portion73 in the front end portion of the one conductive member 30 a.

The cover support portion 74 protrudes in a rib shape upwards from theconductive member 30. Specifically, the cover support portion 74protrudes toward the handle cover 52 from the conductive member mainbody 71. In the embodiment, the cover support portion 74 is disposedbehind the support portion 73. More specifically, the cover supportportion 74 is disposed in the substantially middle portion of the otherconductive member 30 b in the longitudinal direction of the otherconductive member 30 b.

The contact portion 75 is a part which is electrically connected(short-circuited) to the contact pattern 67 by being brought intopressure contact with the contact pattern 67 (FIG. 4A) of the circuitboard 29. The contact portion 75 protrudes in a rib shape toward thecircuit board 29 from both sides of the conductive member 30, forexample. The contact portion 75 is positioned on both sides of theconductive member main body 71. For example, the contact portion 75 ispositioned closer to the front end side than the opening portion 72. Thecontact portion 75 has a flat tip portion in pressure contact with thesolder S2 (FIG. 4A) of the contact pattern 67.

The projection portion 76 is a part having a tip side which is exposedto the lower portion (the slip resistance portion 49) of the handle 27by that the projection portion 76 is inserted into the through hole 53.The projection portion 76 protrudes in a columnar shape downwards fromthe conductive member 30. Specifically, the projection portion 76protrudes from the conductive member main body 71 toward the handle mainbody portion 51. In the embodiment, the projection portions 76 aredisposed on the conductive member 30. The projection portions 76 aredisposed on the conductive member main body 71. More specifically, theprojection portions 76 are disposed at substantially equal intervalsbetween both longitudinal ends of the conductive member 30. Accordingly,in the conductive member 30, the projection portions 76 are disposed atleast in a region including the substantially middle portion of thehandle 27 in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, in theconductive member 30, the projection portions 76 are disposed atlongitudinal positions of the handle 27. The projection portion isdisposed at the center position of the handle 27 in theleftward-rightward direction (the width direction). Accordingly, theprojection portion 76 is disposed at a position expanding to thelowermost portion of the handle 27. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the tipportion of the projection portion 76 inserted into the through hole 53is substantially flush with the projecting portion 49 a of the slipresistance portion 49. The projection portion 76 is a part of theconductive member 30. The projection portion 76 is a conductivematerial.

In the vacuum cleaner of the embodiment, the first communication port ispositioned in the upper portion of the first main body portion 42.Similarly, the second communication port is positioned in the upperportion of the first main body portion 42. Accordingly, the firstcommunication port and the second communication port are positioned inthe upper portion of the cleaner main body 15 (the main body portion21). The first communication port and the second communication portcommunicate with each other via the dust collecting unit 22 in a statewhere the dust collecting unit 22 is attached to the main body portion21.

The exhaust port 33 is the downstream end part of an exhaust air duct.The exhaust port 33 is positioned in both side portions of the firstmain body portion 42. Accordingly, the exhaust port 33 is disposed nearthe front side of the cleaner main body 15. The exhaust port 33 may becovered with a filter (not illustrated).

An air duct is partitioned in the air duct body 16 illustrated in FIG.8, and communicates with the suction side of the electric blower 23 in astate where the air duct is connected to the cleaner main body 15. Theair duct body 16 is provided with an elongated extension pipe 81. Asuction port body may be provided on the tip side (the upstream side) ofthe air duct body 16. Any suction port body can be used as the suctionport body. In the embodiment, a floor brush 82 is used as an example ofthe suction port body. The air duct body 16 is an electrostatic sourcewhich generates static electricity due to friction generated between theair duct body 16 and dust by driving of the electric blower 23. The airduct body 16 is an optional configuration.

The extension pipe 81 is airtightly connected to the dust collectingunit 22 with the base end side of the extension pipe 81 connected to thecleaner main body 15. For example, the base end side of the extensionpipe 81 is connected to the main body connection port 26. The extensionpipe 81 is detachably held by a clamp 84 provided in the cleaner mainbody 15 (the main body portion 21).

The floor brush 82 is provided with a case body 86. The floor brush 82is provided with a connecting pipe 87. The case body 86 is laterallylong. The case body 86 is formed in an elongated shape in theleftward-rightward direction. A suction port (not illustrated) is openin the lower portion of the case body 86 which faces a surface to becleaned. The connecting pipe 87 is rotatably connected to the case body86. Further, the connecting pipe 87 communicates with the suction portand is airtightly connected to the tip side of the extension pipe 81.The floor brush 82 is connected to the tip side of the extension pipe81. For example, the connecting pipe 87 is inserted into and connectedto the extension pipe 81 in the floor brush 82. In the floor brush 82,connection of the extension pipe 81 is retained by a floor brush clamp89 provided in the extension pipe 81.

A working of the first embodiment will be described below.

In a case where the vacuum cleaner 11 is used as a handy suction cleaner(one use state (FIG. 7)), only the cleaner main body 15, in which thedust collecting unit 22 is mounted on the main body portion 21, is used.The vacuum cleaner 11 is used in a state where the air duct body 16 isremoved from the cleaner main body 15. In this case, an air duct bodyshorter than and different from the air duct body 16 provided with theextension pipe 81, the floor brush 82 etc. may be connected to the mainbody connection port 26. Examples of the air duct body include aclearance nozzle (a crevice nozzle).

In the vacuum cleaner 11, the control device 24 drives the electricblower 23 in accordance with the operation set by that a user grippingthe handle 27 operates the setting button 28. Dust on a surface to becleaned is suctioned with air by means of the negative pressureresulting from the driving of the electric blower 23 while the main bodyconnection port 26 facing the surface to be cleaned or the air duct body16 connected to the main body connection port 26 is moved in theforward-rearward direction or an oblique direction on the surface to becleaned.

Schematically, the dust-containing air is suctioned into the dustcollecting unit 22 from the main body connection port 26 and the dust isseparated and collected from the air. The dust-separated air isdischarged from the exhaust port 33 to the outside of the cleaner mainbody 15 via the exhaust air duct after the dust-separated air issuctioned into the electric blower 23.

In a case where the vacuum cleaner 11 is used as a stick-type suctioncleaner (another use state (FIG. 8)), the air duct body 16 is connectedto the cleaner main body 15 in which the dust collecting unit 22 ismounted on the main body portion 21. In this state, the floor brush 82communicates with the suction side of the electric blower 23 (via thedust collecting exhaust port of the dust collecting unit 22 and thesecond communication port of the cleaner main body 15 and communicateswith the dust collecting unit 22 via the extension pipe 81, the mainbody connection port 26 of the cleaner main body 15, the firstcommunication port, and the dust collecting suction port).

In the vacuum cleaner 11, dust on the surface to be cleaned is suctionedtogether with air from the suction port of the floor brush 82 by meansof the negative pressure generated by driving of the electric blower 23,while the floor brush 82 is placed on the surface to be cleaned by auser gripping the handle 27, the control device 24 drives the electricblower 23 in accordance with performance set by operating the settingbutton 28 of the handle 27 and the floor brush 82 alternately travels inthe forward-rearward direction, an oblique direction etc. on the surfaceto be cleaned.

The suctioned dust-containing air is moved from the floor brush 82 tothe cleaner main body 15 (the main body portion 21) via the extensionpipe 81. Then, the dust is separated from the air and collected in thedust collecting unit 22 as in the case of the one use state describedabove.

Static electricity is generated due to friction with dust at least inthe dust collecting unit 22 by the electric blower 23 being driven,i.e., by the vacuum cleaner 11 being started. In the embodiment, staticelectricity is generated mainly in the dust collecting unit 22 in oneuse state and static electricity is generated mainly in the dustcollecting unit 22 and the air duct body 16 in another use state. Theelectric charge of the static electricity flows to a part with a lowerpotential through a conductive part allowing an electric current to flowwith ease, such as the pattern 66 of the circuit board 29, or a screw asa metallic member for assembly etc. disposed in each portion of thecleaner main body 15 or a plated synthetic resin and accumulates suchthat the same potential is given as a whole. Subsequently, when thepotential reaches a degree allowing the dielectric breakdown of the airinterposed between the conductive part such as the pattern 66 and thecontact pattern 67 positioned at the predetermined distance G (inproximity), the static electricity is moved to the contact pattern 67,the static electricity is discharged to the hand of a user gripping thehandle 27 from the projection portion 76 of the conductive member 30 incontact with the contact pattern 67, the static electricity isdischarged to the ground through the user's body, and the potential islowered.

Once the cleaning is completed, the user stops the electric blower 23with the control device 24 by operating the setting button 28.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, a part of theconductive member 30 (the projection portion 76) conducting the staticelectricity generated due to operation of the electric blower 23 isdisposed in the handle 27, which a user contacts (grips) in using thevacuum cleaner 11. As a result, when the electric blower 23 is driven(during the operation of the vacuum cleaner 11), static electricity canbe micro-discharged to the user in contact with the handle 27 via a partof the conductive member 30 (the projection portion 76). Accordingly, itis possible to effectively release static electricity even with thecordless and non-wired configuration using the secondary battery 25.

Especially, a part of the conductive member 30 (the projection portion76) is disposed in the handle 27 holding the main body portion 21, andthus a user can easily remain in contact with the conductive member 30almost at all times in using the vacuum cleaner 11 and the staticelectricity can be effectively released.

In the vacuum cleaner 11, static electricity is generated due tofriction between the dust suctioned by the operation of the electricblower 23 and the dust collecting unit 22, the air duct body 16 etc.,and thus the electric charge of the static electricity begins toaccumulate immediately after the vacuum cleaner 11 is started andbasically static electricity is difficult to be generated while thevacuum cleaner 11 remains stopped. In the embodiment, the handle 27remains gripped by a user until cleaning is completed and the vacuumcleaner 11 is stopped after the vacuum cleaner 11 is started, and thusthe user remains in contact with the handle 27 always from a timing whenthe electric charge of the static electricity begins to accumulate,i.e., from a point in time when the potential of the static electricityis low. Accordingly, the static electricity is continuouslymicro-discharged and actively released before a spark phenomenon occursdue to an increase in electrostatic potential, and thus the user doesnot have to undergo any unpleasant electric shock due to an accumulatedelectrostatic charge.

Especially, in the case of cyclone separation where the dust collectingunit 22 performs high-speed centrifugal separation on dust, staticelectricity is easy to be generated in the dust collecting unit 22.Accordingly, by adopting the above-described configuration in the vacuumcleaner 11 provided with the cyclone separation-type dust collectingunit 22, it is possible to effectively release the static electricitygenerated in the cyclone separation-type dust collecting unit 22 beforehigh-potential accumulation in driving the electric blower 23.

At least a part of the conductive member 30 (the projection portion 76)is disposed in the lower portion of the handle 27, and thus at least apart of the conductive member 30 can be effectively disposed at aposition easy to come into contact with the hand of a user gripping thehandle 27.

Specifically, by at least a part of the conductive member 30 (theprojection portion 76) being disposed so as to be substantially flushwith the projecting portion 49 a of the uneven slip resistance portion49 in the lower portion of the handle 27, at least a part of theconductive member 30 (the projection portion 76) can be disposed at theposition easy to come into contact with the hand of the user grippingthe handle 27 and the static electricity can be reliablymicro-discharged during the driving the electric blower 23 with respectto the user gripping the handle 27.

The conductive member 30 (the contact portion 75) is disposed so as tobe in contact with the contact pattern 67 disposed at the predetermineddistance G from the predetermined pattern 66 (the ground pattern 66 b inthe embodiment) of the circuit board 29. Accordingly, the conductivemember 30 does not immediately reach the same potential as the pattern66. As a result, even in a case where a user touches the conductivemember 30 on a normal occasion (when the vacuum cleaner 11 is not used)etc., the user does not have to undergo any unpleasant electric shockdue to the potential difference between the potential of the pattern 66(the potential (the reference potential) of the ground pattern 66 b inthe embodiment) and the ground potential (the earth potential).

In addition, the electric charge of the static electricity can bedelivered to the conductive member 30 by means of the pattern 66pre-provided on the circuit board 29, and thus it is possible to easilyform a configuration for electrostatic charge delivery.

The conductive member 30 is a member containing a carbon member, andthus it is possible to easily form the conductive member 30 in a shapecorresponding to the grounding portion of the conductive member 30 suchas the handle 27 and it is possible to achieve a lightweight design.

At least a part of the conductive member 30 (the projection portion 76)is provided at longitudinal positions of the handle 27, and thus contactcan be facilitated with respect to the conductive member 30 regardlessof which position of the handle 27 is gripped by a user.

At least a part of the conductive member 30 (the projection portion 76)is provided in the substantially middle portion of the handle 27 in thelongitudinal direction of the handle 27, which is normally gripped by auser, and thus contact is further facilitated between the user grippingthe handle 27 and the conductive member 30.

A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The samereference numerals will be given to configurations and operationssimilar to those of the first embodiment, and description thereof willbe omitted.

In the second embodiment, the circuit board 29 of the first embodimentis not provided with the contact pattern 67 and the conductive member 30(the contact portion 75) is disposed so as to face the pattern 66 at thepredetermined distance G as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In theembodiment, the conductive member 30 (the contact portion 75) isdisposed so as to face the ground pattern 66 b at the predetermineddistance G.

The contact portion 75 of the conductive member 30 is disposed so as tobe in direct contact with a contact position 90 of the other mainsurface 62 b of the board main body 62 at a position at thepredetermined distance G from the pattern 66 of the circuit board 29.

In this configuration, the electric charge of the static electricitygenerated by driving of the electric blower 23 (by the vacuum cleaner 11being started) flows to a part with a lower potential through aconductive part which allows an electric current to flow with ease, suchas a plated synthetic resin, a metallic screw or the pattern 66 of thecircuit board 29, and accumulates such that the same potential is givenas a whole. Subsequently, when the potential reaches a degree whichallows the dielectric breakdown of the air interposed between theconductive part such as the pattern 66 (the ground pattern 66 b in theembodiment) and the conductive member 30 (the contact portion 75)positioned at the predetermined distance G (in proximity), the electriccharge of the static electricity is moved to the conductive member 30(the contact portion 75), the static electricity is discharged to thehand of a user gripping the handle 27 from the projection portion 76 ofthe conductive member 30, the static electricity is discharged to theground through the user's body, and the potential is lowered.

The conductive member 30 (the contact portion 75) is disposed at thepredetermined distance G from the predetermined pattern 66 (the groundpattern 66 b in the embodiment) of the circuit board 29, and thus theconductive member 30 does not immediately reach the same potential asthe pattern 66. As a result, even in a case where a user touches theconductive member 30 on a normal occasion (when the vacuum cleaner 11 isnot used) etc., the user does not have to undergo any unpleasantelectric shock due to the potential difference between the potential ofthe pattern 66 (the potential (the reference potential) of the groundpattern 66 b in the embodiment) and the ground potential (the earthpotential).

A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The samereference numerals will be given to configurations and operationssimilar to those of each embodiment described above, and descriptionthereof will be omitted.

The third embodiment further includes a sheet 91 as a conductive member.The sheet 91 is provided so as to cover the lower portion of the handle27. The sheet 91 is provided on the outer surface of the handle 27. Thesheet 91 is a soft member such as an elastomer or rubber havingelectrical conductivity, for example. Further, the sheet 91 iselectrically connected (short-circuited) in contact with the projectionportion 76 of the conductive member 30 exposed in the lower portion ofthe handle 27.

When the vacuum cleaner 11 is used, the control device 24 drives theelectric blower 23 in accordance with the operation set by that the usergripping the handle 27 operate the setting button 28. As a result, duston a surface to be cleaned is suctioned with air by means of thenegative pressure generated by driving of the electric blower 23 andcleaning is performed.

Although static electricity is generated at this time by driving of theelectric blower 23, i.e., by the vacuum cleaner 11 being started, thelower portion of the handle 27 is covered with the conductive sheet 91in the embodiment, and thus the electric charge of the staticelectricity moved to the conductive member 30 via the pattern 66 isdischarged from the projection portion 76 via the sheet 91 to the handof the user gripping the handle 27 and discharged to the ground throughthe user's body.

By provided the sheet 91 as a conductive soft member as described aboveat the handle 27, it is possible to suppress the slippage of the hand ofthe user gripping the handle 27 by means of the sheet 91 and contactbetween the user's hand and the conductive member 30 can be ensured withreliability. As a result, the static electricity can be reliablymicro-discharged during the driving the electric blower 23 with respectto the user gripping the handle 27.

A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. Thesame reference numerals will be given to configurations and operationssimilar to those of each of the above embodiments, and descriptionthereof will be omitted.

The fourth embodiment is provided with a belt (a shoulder belt) 93,which is a main body holding portion as a human body contacting portion.The belt 93 is to hold the main body portion 21 by shouldering etc. Inthe embodiment, the belt 93 is to hold the cleaner main body 15. In acase where the vacuum cleaner 11 is used in a state where the vacuumcleaner 11 is shouldered by means of the belt 93, it is preferable inthe interest of convenience to connect a flexible air duct body, such asa hose body different from the air duct body 16, to the main bodyconnection port 26. The belt 93 has a loop shape with both endsconnected to different places of the main body portion 21, for example.In the embodiment, both ends of the belt 93 are connected to the frontend portion of the first main body portion 42 and the rear end portionof the second main body portion 43, for example. Further, the belt 93 isformed of a conductive member, for example. The belt 93 has an elongatedshape. Accordingly, in FIG. 11, only both end portions connected to thecleaner main body 15 (the main body portion 21) are illustrated and theintermediate portion of the belt 93 is not illustrated.

The vacuum cleaner 11 can be used once the middle portion between bothends of the belt 93 is hung on a user's shoulder etc. Although theelectric charge of static electricity accumulated by driving of theelectric blower 23 is transferred to a plated synthetic resin, ametallic screw or the circuit board 29 etc., but the belt 93 holding themain body portion 21 is composed of a conductive member in theembodiment so that the static electricity is discharged from the belt 93to the user's shoulder and discharged to the ground through the user'sbody.

By a conductive member constituting the belt 93 holding the main bodyportion 21, a user can easily remain in contact with the conductivemember almost always during the use of the vacuum cleaner 11 and it ispossible to effectively release static electricity. The belt 93 may beelectrically connected to the contact pattern 67 or the conductivemember 30. The belt 93 may electrically float.

In the case of the fourth embodiment, the handle 27 may not be providedwith the conductive member 30.

A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12. The samereference numerals will be given to configurations and operationssimilar to those of each of the above embodiments, and descriptionthereof will be omitted.

In the fifth embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 11 is a so-calledcanister-type cordless suction cleaner which is provided with thecleaner main body 15 capable of traveling on a surface to be cleaned (afloor surface) and an air duct body 95 as a connecting portion connectedto the main body portion 21 of the cleaner main body 15.

The cleaner main body 15 may be provided with traveling wheels 96 whichallows traveling on a surface to be cleaned (a floor surface), forexample. The traveling wheels 96 are provided on both sides of the mainbody portion 21, for example.

An air duct is partitioned in the air duct body 95. The air duct body 95communicates with the suction side of the electric blower 23 in a stateof being connected to the cleaner main body 15. The air duct body 95 isprovided with a hose body 97. The air duct body 95 is provided with theextension pipe 81 connected to the tip side (the upstream side) of thehose body 97. A suction port body may be provided on the tip side (theupstream side) of the air duct body 16. Any suction port body can beused as the suction port body. In the embodiment, the floor brush 82 isused as an example of the suction port body. Further, the air duct body16 is provided with the handle 27, which is a connecting grippingportion as a human body contacting portion to grip the air duct body 16.The air duct body 95 is an electrostatic source which generates staticelectricity due to the friction generated between the air duct body 95and dust by driving of the electric blower 23.

The handle 27 is provided on the tip side of a hose body 37, forexample. The handle 27 is provided with the slip resistance portion 49.The internal structure of the handle 27 is the same as those of thefirst to third embodiments.

In the vacuum cleaner 11, dust on the surface to be cleaned is suctionedwith air from the suction port of the floor brush 82 by means of thenegative pressure generated by driving of the electric blower 23, whilethe cleaner main body 15 is made travel to an appropriate position on asurface to be cleaned, the floor brush 82 is placed on the surface to becleaned by a user gripping the handle 27, the control device 24 drivesthe electric blower 23 in accordance with the operation set by that thesetting button 28 of the handle 27 is operated, and the floor brush 82alternately travels in the forward-rearward direction, an obliquedirection etc. on the surface to be cleaned. The subsequent operation isthe same as those of the first to third embodiments.

Also in this case, static electricity can be micro-discharged via theconductive member 30 to the user in contact with the handle 27 when theelectric blower 23 is driven (during the operation of the vacuum cleaner11), by that the conductive member 30 which conducts the staticelectricity generated due to operation of the electric blower 23 isdisposed in the handle 27 that the user contacts (grips) during the useof the vacuum cleaner 11. Accordingly, it is possible to effectivelyrelease static electricity even with the cordless and non-wiredconfiguration using the secondary battery 25.

Especially, the conductive member 30 is disposed in the handle 27holding the air duct body 95, and thus a user can easily remain incontact with the conductive member 30 almost always during the use ofthe vacuum cleaner 11 and the static electricity can be effectivelyreleased.

In each of the embodiments described above, the conductive member may bea member obtained by plating a surface of a synthetic resin basematerial, for example.

Further, the conductive member may be a low-resistance body insofar asthe conductive member is capable of transferring static electricity.

The conductive member can also be flush with a position of the handle 27other than the slip resistance portion 49.

Further, the handle 27 itself may be formed by means of a conductivemember.

The same function and effect can be achieved even when the conductivemember is provided at any human body contacting portion which is otherthan the main body holding portion such as the belt 93 and the handle 27holding the main body portion 21 and with which a user is in contactalmost always during use.

Further, the potential of the static electricity significantly exceedsthe potential generated in the circuit board 29 by the secondary battery25 and is accumulated in the same manner as the whole at conductiveparts. Accordingly, the contact pattern 67 and the contact position 90are capable of receiving an electrostatic charge even when disposed inproximity to a different position in the pattern 66 (such as theconductive pattern 66 a) or another conductive part not limited to theground pattern 66 b of the circuit board 29. As a result, the functionand effect of the embodiments described above can still be achieved.

The circuit board 29 is not limited to being disposed in the handle 27.The circuit board 29 may be disposed as the control device 24 or may beany other circuit board.

The vacuum cleaner 11 is a suction cleaner according to the abovedescription. In an alternative example, the vacuum cleaner 11 may be ablower using the exhaust of the electric blower 23 or may be configuredsuch that both the suction cleaner and the blower can be used by meansof air duct switching etc.

The electrical equipment is not limited to a blower or a suction cleanerusing the electric blower 23. In an alternative example, the electricalequipment may be a polisher which is driven to rotate by an operatingunit such as a motor to generate static electricity by friction. Theelectrical equipment is not limited to the vacuum cleaner, and may be avoluntary equipment which generates static electricity by friction.

According to the one or more embodiments described above, it is possibleto provide the easy-to-use vacuum cleaner 11 effectively releasingstatic electricity while adopting a cordless configuration using thesecondary battery 25.

Some embodiments of the invention have been described above. Theembodiments have been presented as an example. The embodiments do notlimit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can beimplemented in various other forms and various omissions, substitutions,and changes can be made without departing from the gist of theinvention. The embodiments and modifications of the embodiments areincluded in the scope and gist of the invention and are included in theinvention described in the claims and equivalent scopes.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrical equipment, comprising: a main bodyportion; a battery disposed in the main body portion; an operating unitwhich operates by electric power supply from the battery; a handle thatis a human body contacting portion which a user contacts in gripping thehandle when the electrical equipment is used; a conductive member atleast a part of which is disposed in the handle and is exposed outsidethe handle; and a circuit board having a predetermined pattern, whereinthe conductive member or a pattern connected to the conductive memberelectrically and the predetermined pattern of the circuit board aredisposed at a predetermined distance from each other, and within thepredetermined distance, dielectric breakdown of air is caused betweenthe conductive member or the pattern connected to the conductive memberelectrically and the predetermined pattern by receiving a potential ofstatic electricity from the predetermined pattern and micro discharge isperformed via the conductive member and a user gripping the handle. 2.The electrical equipment according to claim 1, wherein the handle is amain body holding portion which holds the main body portion.
 3. Theelectrical equipment according to claim 2, wherein at least a part ofthe conductive member is provided at a lower portion of the handle. 4.The electrical equipment according to claim 3, wherein the handle isprovided with an uneven slip resistance portion at the lower portion ofthe handle, and at least a part of the conductive member is disposed soas to be substantially flush with a projecting shape of the slipresistance portion of the handle.
 5. The electrical equipment accordingto claim 2, wherein the handle is provided with an uneven slipresistance portion at a lower portion of the handle, and at least a partof the conductive member is disposed so as to be substantially flushwith a projecting shape of the slip resistance portion of the handle. 6.The electrical equipment according to claim 1, further comprising aconnecting portion which is connected to the main body portion, whereinthe handle is a connecting gripping portion which grips the connectingportion.
 7. The electrical equipment according to claim 1, wherein thehuman body contacting portion is composed of the conductive member. 8.The electrical equipment according to claim 1, wherein the conductivemember is disposed on an outer surface of the human body contactingportion.
 9. The electrical equipment according to claim 1, wherein theconductive member is a carbon-containing member.
 10. The electricalequipment according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member is aconductive soft member.
 11. The electrical equipment according to claim1, wherein the handle is formed in an elongated shape, and at least apart of the conductive member is provided at positions in a longitudinaldirection of the handle.
 12. The electrical equipment according to claim1, wherein the handle is formed in an elongated shape, and at least apart of the conductive member is provided in a substantially middleportion in a longitudinal direction of the handle.
 13. The electricalequipment according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of theconductive member is disposed so as to be substantially flush with thehandle.
 14. A vacuum cleaner comprising the electrical equipmentaccording to claim
 1. 15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 14,further comprising a connecting portion which is connected to the mainbody portion, wherein the handle is a connecting gripping portion whichgrips the connecting portion, and the connecting portion is an air ductbody provided with a hose body.